Dynamically programmable thermostat

ABSTRACT

Programmable controller technology, in which data is received that identifies a particular type of HVAC system component that is to be controlled by a programmable controller. Based on receiving data identifying the particular type of HVAC system component, configuration information is accessed for the particular type of HVAC system component. A configuration is determined for one or more interface ports of the programmable controller based on the configuration information for the particular type of HVAC system component. The interface ports of the programmable controller are configured according to the determined configuration. A connection between the particular type of HVAC system component and the programmable controller that satisfies the determined configuration is detected. Based on detecting the connection between the particular type of HVAC system component and the programmable controller that satisfies the determined configuration, the particular type of HVAC system component is controlled through the one or more interface ports.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/859,830, filed Jul. 30, 2013, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to a configurable control device.

BACKGROUND

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can utilizecontrol devices such as thermostats to allow users of a propertyassociated with the HVAC system to control environmental conditionswithin the property. In some cases, different HVAC system controldevices may be compatible with different HVAC system components, such asdifferent air conditioners, furnaces, humidifiers, fans, boilers, orother HVAC system components.

SUMMARY

Techniques are described for the control of an HVAC system associatedwith a property using a dynamically programmable thermostat device.

Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, amethod or process implemented at least partially in hardware, or acomputer-readable storage medium encoded with executable instructionsthat, when executed by a processor, perform operations.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying description below. Other features will be apparent from thedescription and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an example of configuring an HVAC system using adynamically programmable thermostat.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example system capable of enabling theconfiguration and control of an HVAC system using a dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of an example process.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate an example of reconfiguring interface ports of adynamically programmable thermostat.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate an example of updating a control processassociated with controlling HVAC system components using a dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Techniques are described for providing indoor environmental control. Insome implementations, a control system includes a dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat and is able to control the environment within ahome, business, vacation, or other property based on the programming ofthe thermostat. The control system utilizes the programmed thermostat toachieve control of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)systems associated with the property. The dynamically programmablethermostat can feature terminals that are adaptable to support thefunction of various HVAC system components. Based on determining a typeof HVAC system component, e.g., air conditioner, furnace, fan,humidifier, dehumidifier, etc., to be controlled by a particularterminal of the dynamically programmable thermostat, the thermostat canupdate the terminal's operation to control operation of the particularHVAC system component. The dynamically programmable thermostat canaccess functioning parameters corresponding to HVAC system componentscoupled to the thermostat and can dynamically access and updateprocesses used to control the HVAC system components. Use of thedynamically programmable thermostat can provide improved energyefficiency and/or reduce the required hardware to operate HVAC systems.

In some implementations, the control system can operate a singlethermostat as a dynamically programmable thermostat that permits eachterminal of the thermostat to be used for a variety of functions, suchas operating an air conditioner, furnace, circulation fan, humidifier,dehumidifier, or other HVAC system component. The dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat can receive information identifying or candetermine a component of an HVAC system connected to a terminal of thedynamically programmable thermostat and can use web-based or mobileapplications to access and provide installation instructions to aninstaller of the dynamically programmable thermostat, HVAC system,and/or HVAC system components. Processes obtained locally or over one ormore networks can enable the dynamically programmable thermostat tooperate components of an HVAC system and/or to control and/or coordinatethe operation of the HVAC system components.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example application in which a dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat is used to configure an HVAC system associatedwith a property. For example, a user of a property may want to configureone or more HVAC system components that are part of an HVAC systemassociated with a property, such that the one or more HVAC systemcomponents are controlled by the dynamically programmable thermostat.

In the example shown in FIG. 1A, a control system 100 features adynamically programmable thermostat 110, a thermostat application server160, and HVAC system components 122 a-122 c. The dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 110 is associated with relays 115 a-115 n orother interface ports that enable the dynamically programmablethermostat 110 to connect to the HVAC system components 122 a-122 c forpurposes of communicating and/or controlling the HVAC system components122 a-122 c. The dynamically programmable thermostat 110 is also able tocommunicate with the thermostat application server 160 over a network105. The thermostat application server can receive and provideinformation to the dynamically programmable thermostat 110 relating tothe configuration, installation, and/or control of the HVAC system 100associated with the property.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a user 150 associated with a property may desire toinstall and configure an HVAC system 100 associated with a property. TheHVAC system 100 being installed and configured by the user can includean air conditioner 122 a, a humidifier 122 b, and a furnace 122 c. Theair conditioner 122 a may be associated with an identifier (A) thatindicates additional information about the air conditioner 122 a, e.g.,a particular brand, model, design, etc., of the air conditioner 122 a.Similarly, the humidifier 122 b may be associated with an identifier (B)that indicates additional information about the humidifier 122 b, andthe furnace 122 c may be associated with an identifier (C) thatindicates additional information about the furnace 122 c. The user 150may provide information to the dynamically programmable thermostat 110that specifies information about the HVAC system components 122 a-122 cto be controlled by the dynamically programmable thermostat 110. Forexample, the user 150 may provide information at an interface of thedynamically programmable thermostat 110 that identifies the HVAC systemcomponents 122 a-122 c. This provided information may indicate that theair conditioner 122 a with the identifier (A), the humidifier 122 b withthe identifier (B), and the furnace 122 c with the identifier (C) are tobe controlled by the dynamically programmable thermostat 110. In someimplementations, the dynamically programmable thermostat 110 may beconfigurable to control a number of different HVAC system componenttypes, such as one or more air conditioners, humidifiers, furnaces,fans, boilers, etc., and the user 150 may specify which of those HVACsystem component types are to be controlled by the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 110. For instance, the user 150 may specify thatthe air conditioner 122 a, humidifier 122 b, and furnace 122 c are to becontrolled by the dynamically programmable thermostat 110, and thatneither a fan nor a boiler are to be controlled by the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 110. The user 150 may also specify theadditional information about one or more of the HVAC system components122 a-122 c. In some implementations, the dynamically programmablethermostat 110 may be able to determine the types of HVAC systemcomponents connected to the relays 115 a-115 n of the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 110, such that the dynamically programmablethermostat 110 can identify the HVAC system components without inputfrom the user 150.

Based on the user 150 specifying the HVAC system components 122 a-122 cthat are to be controlled by the dynamically programmable thermostat110, the dynamically programmable thermostat 110 can communicate withthe thermostat application server 160 to obtain information related toconfiguring the HVAC system 100 to control the HVAC system components122 a-122 c. For example, the dynamically programmable thermostat 110can transmit information to the thermostat application server 160 overthe network 105, where the transmitted information identifies the HVACsystem components 122 a-122 c that the dynamically programmablethermostat 110 is to control. Additionally, in some implementations, thedynamically programmable thermostat 110 may transmit additionalinformation relevant to configuring and/or controlling the HVAC systemcomponents 122 a-122 c to the thermostat application server 160. Forexample, the dynamically programmable thermostat 110 may transmitinformation that identifies the dynamically programmable thermostat 110(e.g., a manufacturer and model of the dynamically programmablethermostat 110), may transmit information identifying or associated withthe property associated with the control system 100 (e.g., a location ofthe property, a floor plan of the property, etc.), or may transmit otherinformation.

Based on receiving the configuration information from the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 110, the thermostat application server 160 candetermine configuration and control information usable to enable theconfiguration of the dynamically programmable thermostat 110 for controlof the HVAC system components 122 a-122 c. For example, the thermostatapplication server 160 can receive the information from the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 110 that identifies the HVAC system components122 a-122 c and/or other information associated with the HVAC systemcomponents 122 a-122 c, and can determine a configuration for the HVACsystem components 122 a-122 c and the dynamically programmablethermostat 110 that enables the dynamically programmable thermostat 110to control the HVAC system components 122 a-122 c.

For example, in some implementations, the thermostat application server160 can receive the information identifying the HVAC system components122 a-122 c, and based on receiving the information, can identifyinstallation instructions, wiring diagrams, or other informationrelating to the installation and control of the HVAC system components122 a-122 c. In this example, the thermostat application server 160 canbe associated with or otherwise be able to access a database thatincludes installation and control information for a number of differentHVAC system components. Based on receiving the information identifyingthe air conditioner 122 a and the identifier (A) of the air conditioner122 a, the thermostat application server can access installation andcontrol information that is specific to the air conditioner 122 a havingthe identifier (A). Such information may include an installationprotocol or process, wiring diagram, control process, and/or otherinformation associated with the configuration and control of the airconditioner 122 a having the identifier (A). The thermostat applicationserver 160 can also access similar information for the humidifier 122 bhaving the identifier (B) and the furnace 122 c having the identifier(C). In some implementations, in addition to accessing the installationand control information for the HVAC system components 122 a-122 c, thethermostat application server 160 can additionally access informationassociated with the dynamically programmable thermostat 110, such asinformation indicating the number of and/or types of relays 115 a-115 nof the dynamically programmable thermostat 110, information indicatingthe types of control processes that the dynamically programmablethermostat 110 can execute (e.g., to control digital and/or analog HVACsystem components), or other information.

Based on accessing the configuration (e.g., the installation andcontrol) information for the HVAC system components 122 a-122 c, and theinformation associated with the dynamically programmable thermostat 110,the thermostat application server 160 can determine a configuration ofthe HVAC system components 122 a-122 c and the dynamically programmablethermostat 110 that enables the dynamically programmable thermostat 110to control the HVAC system components 122 a-122 c. Determining such aconfiguration may include determining a wiring arrangement for the HVACsystem components 122 a-122 c and the dynamically programmablethermostat 110, can include determining installation instructions forinstalling the HVAC system components 122 a-122 c to be controlled bythe dynamically programmable thermostat 110, can include controlprocesses used to control the HVAC system components 122 a-122 c by thedynamically programmable thermostat 110, or can include otherinformation. The thermostat application server 160 can then provide thedynamically configurable thermostat 110 with the information specifyingthe determined configuration. For example, the thermostat applicationserver 160 can provide the information specifying the determinedconfiguration to the dynamically programmable thermostat 110 over thenetwork 105. In some implementations, the thermostat application server160 can access the installation and control information for the HVACsystem components 122 a-122 c and/or the other information associatedwith the dynamically programmable thermostat 110, and can provide thedynamically programmable thermostat 110 with the configurationinformation, such that the dynamically programmable thermostat can thendetermine the configuration for the HVAC system components 122 a-122 cto be controlled by the dynamically programmable thermostat 110.

As shown at FIG. 1B, the dynamically programmable thermostat 110 canreceive the information specifying the determined configuration from thethermostat application server 160, can configure the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 110 according to the determined configuration,and can provide information for display at the thermostat applicationserver 110 that enables the user 150 associated with the control system100 of the property to install and configure the HVAC system components122 a-122 c to be controlled by the dynamically programmable thermostat110. For example, the dynamically programmable thermostat 110 canreceive the information specifying the configuration of the relays 115a-115 n, and can configure the relays 115 a-115 n to function accordingto the determined configuration.

Additionally, the dynamically programmable thermostat 110 can receivethe information specifying installation instructions and/or a wiringdiagram for the HVAC system components 122 a-122 c, and can generate andprovide for display the installation instructions and/or wiring diagram.In some implementations, the dynamically programmable thermostat 110 cangenerate a visualization of the installation instructions and/or wiringdiagram for the HVAC system components 122 a-122 c to be controlled bythe dynamically programmable thermostat 110, or the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 110 can receive a visualization of theinstallation instructions and/or wiring diagram, for example, byreceiving data corresponding to the visualization of the installationinstructions and/or wiring diagram from the thermostat applicationserver 160.

The user 150 can view the visualization of the installation instructionsand/or wiring diagram at a display associated with the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 110, and can proceed to install the HVAC systemcomponents 122 a-122 c according to the installation instructions and/orwiring diagram. For example, the user 150 may be presented with a wiringdiagram that shows connections from the various relays 115 a-115 n ofthe dynamically programmable thermostat 110 to one or more ports of theHVAC system components 122 a-122 c. The user 150 may also be presentedwith other information relating to the installation and configuration ofthe HVAC system components 122 a-122 c to be controlled by thedynamically programmable thermostat 110. For example, the user 150 canbe presented with information indicating how to connect the HVAC systemcomponents 122 a-122 c to power, how to install the HVAC systemcomponents 122 a-122 c within a property associated with the HVAC system100, information specifying how to setup or configure the HVAC systemcomponents 122 a-122 c, or other information. The user 150 may be ableto use such information to complete the installation and configurationof the HVAC system components 122 a-122 c such that the HVAC systemcomponents 122 a-122 c are controllable by the dynamically programmablethermostat 110.

Based on the dynamically programmable thermostat 110 being configuredaccording to the determined configuration (e.g., by configuring therelays 115 a-115 n of the dynamically programmable thermostat 110) andthe user 150 completing the configuration of the HVAC system components122 a-122 c, the dynamically programmable thermostat 110 can control theHVAC system components 122 a-122 c. For example, the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 110 can control the HVAC system components 122a-122 c according to one or more control processes received from thethermostat application server 160, one or more control processesdetermined by or accessible to the dynamically programmable thermostat110 using the configuration information received from the thermostatapplication server 160, or one or more control processes that aremaintained locally at the dynamically programmable thermostat 110. Insome instances, the dynamically programmable thermostat 110 candetermine when one or more of the HVAC system components 122 a-122 chave been connected to the relays 115 a-115 n in a manner thatcorresponds to the determined configuration for the HVAC systemcomponents 122 a-122 c to be controlled by the dynamically programmablethermostat 110. Based on determining that the HVAC system components 122a-122 c have been connected to the dynamically programmable thermostat110 according to the determined configuration, the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 110 can proceed to control the HVAC systemcomponents 122 a-122 c.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a control system 200 featuring adynamically programmable thermostat used to operate an HVAC system. Thecontrol system 200 includes a network 205, a thermostat control unit210, one or more mobile devices 240, 250, and a thermostat applicationserver 260. In some examples, the network 205 enables communicationsbetween the thermostat control unit 210, the one or more mobile devices240, 250, and the thermostat application server 260.

The network 205 is configured to enable electronic communicationsbetween devices connected to the network 205. For example, the network205 can be configured to enable exchange of electronic communicationsbetween the thermostat control unit 210, the one or more mobile devices240, 250, and the thermostat application server 260.

The network 205 can include, for example, one or more of the Internet,Wide Area Networks (WANs), Local Area Networks (LANs), e.g., Wi-Fi,analog or digital wired and wireless telephone networks, e.g., a publicswitched telephone network (PSTN), Integrated Services Digital Network(ISDN), a cellular network, and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), Ethernet,Internet Protocol (IP) over broadband, radio, television, cable,satellite, or any other delivery or tunneling mechanism for carryingdata. Network 205 can include multiple networks or subnetworks, each ofwhich can include, for example, a wired or wireless data pathway. Thenetwork 205 can include a circuit-switched network, a packet-switcheddata network, or any other network able to carry electroniccommunications, e.g., data or voice communications. For example, thenetwork 205 can include networks based on the Internet protocol (IP),asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), the PSTN, packet-switched networksbased on IP, X.25, or Frame Relay, or other comparable technologies andcan support voice using, for example, VoIP, or other comparableprotocols used for voice communications. The network 205 can include oneor more networks that include wireless data channels and wireless voicechannels. The network 205 can be a wireless network, a broadbandnetwork, or a combination of networks including a wireless network and abroadband network.

The thermostat control unit 210 is configured to control a dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220 and includes a controller 212 and a networkmodule 214. The controller 212 is configured to control a system thatincludes the thermostat control unit 210, e.g., a system for controllinga dynamically programmable thermostat 220 associated with a property'sHVAC system. In some examples, the controller 212 can include aprocessor or other control circuitry configured to execute instructionsof a program that controls operation of the dynamically programmablethermostat 220. In these examples, the controller 212 can be configuredto receive inputs from sensors, detectors, one or more servers, or otherdevices associated with the system 200 and to control operation of thedynamically programmable thermostat 220 that is associated with theproperty's HVAC system. In some instances, the controller 212 can beconfigured to control operation of the network module 214 included inthe thermostat control unit 210.

The network module 214 is a communication device configured to exchangecommunications over one or more networks 205. The network module 214 canbe a wireless communication module configured to exchange wirelesscommunications over the network 205. For example, the network module 214can be a wireless communication device configured to exchangecommunications over a wireless data channel. In this example, thenetwork module 214 can transmit and/or receive data relating toidentified HVAC system components connected to terminals of thedynamically programmable thermostat 220, data associated with controlprocesses used to control the components of the HVAC system using thedynamically programmable thermostat 220, environmental data associatedwith the property, and/or weather forecast data relating to thegeographic region of the property. The wireless communication device caninclude one or more GSM modules, a radio model, a cellular transmissionmodule, or any type of module configured to exchange communications inone of the following formats: GSM or GPRS, CDMA, EDGE or EGPRS, EV-DO orEVDO, UMTS, or IP.

In some implementations, the network module 214 is a wired communicationmodule configured to exchange communications over the network 205 usinga wired connection. For instance, the network module 214 can be a modem,a network interface card, or another type of network interface device.The network module 214 can be an Ethernet network card configured toenable the thermostat control unit 210 to communicate over a local areanetwork and/or over the Internet. The network module 214 can also be avoiceband modem configured to enable the thermostat control unit tocommunicate over the telephone lines of Plain Old Telephone Systems(POTS).

The thermostat control unit 210 associated with the control systemcommunicates with sensors connected to a module 230 and a dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220 that controls the HVAC system associatedwith the property. The module 230 is connected to one or more sensorsconfigured to monitor the environment of the property at variouslocations, e.g., at various indoor and outdoor locations of theproperty, and can also be configured to monitor activity at theproperty. For example, the module 230 can be connected to one or moreenvironmental sensors, such as one or more temperature sensors, humiditysensors, noise sensors, light sensors, air quality sensors, smokedetectors, carbon monoxide detectors, water sensors, rain sensors, windsensors, etc. Sensors for monitoring activity at the property caninclude, for example, one or more motion sensors, contact sensors, etc.The module 230 connected to the one or more sensors can communicate dataobtained by the sensors to the thermostat control unit 210. For example,the module 230 can transmit sensor data indicating environmentalconditions at various locations within the property, e.g., a temperatureand humidity in each room of a home, and activity within the property,e.g., which rooms of the home are currently occupied, to the thermostatcontrol unit 210.

The dynamically programmable thermostat 220 is configured to monitortemperature and/or energy consumption of an HVAC system associated withthe thermostat, and is further configured to dynamically control theoperation of the HVAC system. In some instances, the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220 may receive data identifying one or moreoperating processes used by the dynamically programmable thermostat 220to control an HVAC system. Additionally or alternatively, thedynamically programmable thermostat 220 can send and/or receiveinformation identifying and/or providing information relating to HVACsystem components that are connected to terminals of the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220. In some implementations, the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220 can, additionally or alternatively, receivedata relating to environmental conditions at the property, e.g., atvarious locations indoors and/or outdoors at the property, can receivedata identifying weather forecasts for the geographic region of theproperty, and/or can receive data relating to activity at the property.The dynamically programmable thermostat 220 can directly measure energyconsumption of the HVAC system associated with the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220, or can estimate energy consumption of theHVAC system associated with the dynamically programmable thermostat 220.The dynamically programmable thermostat 220 can communicate datarelating to control of the components of the HVAC system associated withmodule 222, for example, by communicating data relating to control ofthe HVAC system components received from the thermostat control unit210.

In some implementations, the dynamically programmable thermostat 220 canbe integrated with the thermostat control unit 210. For example, thedynamically programmable thermostat 220 can include the thermostatcontrol unit 210, e.g., as an internal component to the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220. In other implementations, the thermostatcontrol unit 210 can be a gateway device that communicates with thedynamically programmable thermostat 220.

The module 222 is connected to one or more components of an HVAC systemassociated with the property and is configured to control the operationof the one or more components of the HVAC system. In someimplementations, the module 222 is also configured to monitor energyconsumption and/or operating parameters of the HVAC system components,for example, by directly or indirectly measuring the energy consumptionof the one or more components of the HVAC system or by estimating theenergy usage of the one or more components of the HVAC system based ondetecting that one or more components of the HVAC system are active. Themodule 222 can communicate energy monitoring information and/or dataidentifying the state of the HVAC system components to the module 220associated with the dynamically programmable thermostat 220 and cancontrol the one or more components of the HVAC system based on commandsreceived from the dynamically programmable thermostat 220.

The dynamically programmable thermostat 220 and the module 230 cancommunicate with the controller 212 over communications links 224 and228, and module 222 can communicate with the dynamically programmablethermostat 220 over communication link 226. The communication links 224,226, and 228 can be wired or wireless data pathways configured totransmit signals from the modules 220, 230 to the controller 212 andfrom the module 222 to the dynamically programmable thermostat 220. Thedynamically programmable thermostat 220 and the modules 222 and 230 cancontinuously transmit information, can periodically transmitinformation, or can transmit information in response to a change insensed values, operating conditions, operating processes, HVAC systemcomponent connections, etc.

In some implementations, connections through communication links 224,226, and 228 can use one or more short-range wireless technologies, suchas Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, near field communication (NFC), ZigBee, Z-Wave,dedicated short-range communication (DSRC), or other short-rangewireless technologies. In some examples, the communication links 224,226, and 228 can utilize wired connections such as one or more Ethernetconnections, HomePlug (Ethernet over powerline) or other powerlineconnections, universal serial bus (USB) connections, wired connectionsbased on the RS232, RS485, and/or RS422 standards, or other wiredconnections. In some instances, the communication links 224, 226, and228 can communicate over one or more networks, such as one or more localarea networks (LAN) or wide area networks (WAN), such as the Internet.

In some implementations, the module 222 associated with one or morecomponents of an HVAC system can communicate directly with thethermostat control unit 210. For example, the thermostat control unit210 can communicate with the module 222 to send and/or receiveinformation related to controlling the components of the HVAC systemcomponents, information relating to the energy usage of the HVAC systemcomponents, or other information. In some instances, the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220 can communicate information to thethermostat control unit 210, and the thermostat control unit 210 cancommunicate the information received from the dynamically programmablethermostat 220 to the module 222 associated with the one or more HVACsystem components.

The thermostat application server 260 is an electronic device configuredto provide control services by exchanging electronic communications withthe thermostat control unit 210 and the one or more mobile devices 240,250 over the one or more networks 205. For example, the thermostatapplication server 260 can be configured to monitor data obtained by thethermostat control unit 210. In this example, the thermostat applicationserver 260 can exchange electronic communications with the networkmodule 214 included in the thermostat control unit 210 to send and/orreceive information regarding HVAC system components connected to thedynamically programmable thermostat 220, operating processes relating tothe property's HVAC system, information regarding the environment at theproperty, and/or weather forecast data for the geographic region of theproperty. In some implementations, the thermostat application server 260can exchange communications with the one or more mobile devices 240, 250to send and/or receive information relating to the operation of theproperty's HVAC system. For example, the thermostat application server260 can send and/or receive information from the one or more mobiledevices 240, 250 that indicates updates to operating processes relatingto the property's HVAC system, and/or can enable access or monitoring ofthe operation of the HVAC system by a user or technician associated withthe HVAC system.

In some implementations, the thermostat application server 260 canaccess weather data and/or weather forecast data for the geographicregion of the property, and the weather data and/or weather forecastdata can be used in determining control of the HVAC system associatedwith the property. For example, the thermostat application server 260can be connected to the Internet over one or more networks 205 and canaccess weather data and/or weather forecast data at a website ordatabase that is accessible on the Internet. The weather data caninclude current weather data for the geographic region of the property,such as a current temperature, humidity, due point, wind chill, heatindex, barometric pressure, etc., and weather forecast data can includeshort and/or long term weather forecasts, for example, short and longterm temperature forecasts, precipitation forecasts, etc.

The thermostat application server 260 can store data, e.g., datarelating to HVAC system component connections, HVAC system operatingprocesses, weather data, and/or weather forecast data. In someinstances, the thermostat application server 260 can receive the datafrom the thermostat control unit 210, the mobile devices 240, 250,and/or the Internet, and can perform analysis of the stored data. Basedon the analysis, the thermostat application server 260 can communicatewith the thermostat control unit 210, for example, to provide HVACsystem component connectivity information, HVAC system operatingprocesses, or other information relating to the operation of the HVACsystem associated with the property.

The one or more mobile devices 240, 250 are devices that host one ormore native applications, e.g., the native control applications 142,152. The one or more mobile devices 240, 250 can be cellular phones ornon-cellular locally networked devices. The one or more mobile devices240, 250 can include a cell phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, apersonal digital assistant (“PDA”), a laptop computer, desktop computer,or any other device configured to communicate over a network. Forexample, implementations can also include Blackberry-type devices, e.g.,as provided by Research in Motion, electronic organizers, iPhone-typedevices, e.g., as provided by Apple, iPod devices, e.g., as provided byApple, or other portable music players, other communication devices, andhandheld or portable electronic devices for gaming, communications,and/or data organization. The one or more mobile devices 240, 250 can bethe same or can include mobile devices of different types. The one ormore mobile devices 240, 250 can perform functions unrelated to thecontrol system, such as placing personal telephone calls, playing music,playing video, displaying pictures, browsing the Internet, maintainingan electronic calendar, etc.

In some implementations, the one or more mobile devices 240, 250communicate with and receive control system data from the thermostatcontrol unit 210 using the communication link 238. For instance, the oneor more mobile devices 240, 250 can communicate with the thermostatcontrol unit 210 using various local wireless protocols, such as Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, Z-Wave, ZigBee, HomePlug (Ethernet over powerline), or wiredprotocols such as Ethernet, USB, and other wired protocols based on theRS232, RS485, and/or RS422 standards. The one or more mobile devices240, 250 can connect locally to the control system and its sensors andother devices, or can connect to the control system and its sensors orother devices over one or more networks 205. In some instances, a localconnection can improve the speed of communications because communicatingthrough the network 205 with a remote server, e.g., the controlapplication server 260, can be slower.

Although the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 are shown communicatingwith the thermostat control unit 210, the one or more mobile devices240, 250 can communicate directly with the sensors and other devicescontrolled by the thermostat control unit 210. In some implementations,the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 replace the thermostat controlunit 210 and perform the functions of the thermostat control unit 210for local control and long range or offsite communication.

In other implementations, the one or more mobile devices 240, 250receive control system data captured by the thermostat control unit 210through the network 205. The one or more mobile devices 240, 250 canreceive the data from the thermostat control unit 210 through thenetwork 205, or the control application server 260 can relay datareceived from the thermostat control unit 210 to the one or more mobiledevices 240, 250 through the network 205. In this regard, the controlapplication server 260 can facilitate communications between the one ormore mobile devices 240, 250 and the thermostat control unit 210.

Although the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 are shown in FIG. 2 asbeing connected to the network 205, in some implementations, the one ormore mobile devices 240, 250 are not connected to the network 205. Inthese implementations, the one or more mobile devices 240, 250communicate directly with one or more of the control system componentsand no network connection, e.g., connection to the Internet, or relianceon remote servers is needed.

In some implementations, the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 areused in conjunction with only the sensors, the components of the HVACsystem associated with the property, and the dynamically programmablethermostat 220. In these instances, the control system 200 only includesthe one or more mobile devices 240, 250, the dynamically programmablethermostat 220, and the modules 222 and 230 associated with the HVACsystem components and the sensors at the property, respectively. The oneor more mobile devices 240, 250 receive data directly from thedynamically programmable thermostat 220 and the modules 222 and 230, andsend data directly to the dynamically programmable thermostat 220 andthe modules 222 and 230. The one or more mobile devices 240, 250 providethe appropriate interfaces/processing to provide control information,modify settings and/or processes, set or control the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220, control HVAC system component operations,etc.

The one or more mobile devices 240, 250 can each include a nativecontrol application 142, 152, respectively. The native controlapplication 142, 152 refers to a software/firmware program running onthe mobile devices that enables the features described below. The one ormore mobile devices 240, 250 can load or install the native controlapplication 142, 152 based on data received over one or more networks,such as one or more networks 205, or based on data received from localmedia. The native monitoring application 142, 152 can run on operatingplatforms associated with the mobile devices 240, 250, such as AppleiOS, iPhone, iPod touch, Blackberry, Google Android, Windows Mobile,etc.

The control system 200 includes the thermostat 220 that can bedynamically programmed to control any number of HVAC systemconfigurations and combinations of HVAC system components. In someinstances, the dynamically programmable thermostat 220 can be awall-mounted thermostat device that features one or more 24 Volt (V)relays for connection to components of an HVAC system. The dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220 can adapt the one or more 24 V relays tooperate any number of HVAC system components, such as an airconditioner, fan, furnace, humidifier, dehumidifier, external airbaffle, etc. By featuring adaptable relays, the dynamically programmablethermostat 220 can support a number of potential HVAC systemconfigurations without requiring the hardware to support eachconfiguration simultaneously. For example, a single relay and outputterminal associated with the dynamically programmable thermostat 220 canbe used to operate one of an external air baffle, a humidifier, or adehumidifier based on the configuration of that particular relayassociated with the dynamically programmable thermostat 220.

In some implementations, configuring a relay of a dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220 to operate a particular HVAC systemcomponent can include configuring the dynamically programmablethermostat 220 to support the operation of the particular HVAC systemcomponent. In some instances, configuring the dynamically programmablethermostat 220 is performed by accessing a web-based or mobileapplication, for example, by accessing a web-based or mobile applicationat the thermostat application server 260 over one or more networks 205.Additionally or alternatively, the dynamically programmable thermostat220 can be configured to operate a particular HVAC system component byaccessing information stored locally at the thermostat.

In some implementations, configuring a relay of the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220 to operate a particular HVAC systemcomponent can include accessing instructions relating to installingand/or wiring the particular HVAC system component and outputtinginstructions relating to installing and/or wiring the particular HVACcomponent to a user or installer of the component. For example, thedynamically programmable thermostat 220 can access and output, forexample, at a display of the thermostat, information identifying wiringdiagrams and/or installation instructions for a humidifier componentbased on determining that an installer or user of the thermostat isattempting to install a humidifier for the HVAC system. In someinstances, the instructions relating to installing and/or wiring theparticular HVAC component can be accessed over one or more networks 205,for example, at the thermostat application server 260 or at a website ordatabase accessible on the Internet. In some instances, the instructionsto install and/or wire the particular HVAC component can be accessedlocally at the dynamically programmable thermostat 220.

In some implementations, a display associated with the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220 can be an electrophoretic ink (E Ink)display, such as those provided by E Ink Corporation, or any otherbi-stable, high contrast, low power display. The electrophoretic displaycan output instructions, wiring diagrams, schematics, and/or otherinformation relating to the configuration or operation of HVAC systemcomponents. Integration of an electrophoretic ink display can enable thedynamically programmable thermostat 220 to output detailed instructionsand other information, while maintaining energy efficient operation ofthe thermostat.

In some implementations, a display associated with the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat can be dynamic in that it enables users todetermine information that is and is not presented at the display. Forexample, a user can interact with the display of the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat to specify information that can be provided foroutput at the display. Information not output at the display of thedynamically programmable thermostat can be viewable at anotherinterface, such as by accessing a web or mobile-based application at themobile devices 240, 250. By enabling the end user to customize thedisplay of the dynamically programmable thermostat, the display is notburdened with displaying complex graphics or information, since suchinformation may be accessible elsewhere. For example, an extensive listof HVAC system component setup types or instructions, e.g., pertainingto a heat pump, gas/electric switch, fan, etc., may not be displayed ata dynamically programmable thermostat if this information is accessibleand more easily viewed using an application on a mobile device 240, 250.

In some examples, the dynamically programmable thermostat 220 canidentify an HVAC system configuration being controlled by thedynamically programmable thermostat 220, or can determine a particularHVAC system component associated with a particular relay of thethermostat. Based on determining the HVAC system configuration orparticular HVAC system component associated with the particular relay,the dynamically programmable thermostat 220 can output instructionsand/or wiring diagrams associated with configuring the HVAC systemconfiguration or HVAC system component. For example, the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220 can output an image at a display of thethermostat that indicates the proper terminals of the thermostat towhich the HVAC system or component wiring should connect.

For example, an HVAC system configuration can include a single heat,single cool system with humidification, and the dynamically programmablethermostat 220 can output, at a display of the thermostat, instructionsindicating the required connections between the relays of the thermostatand the wiring of the furnace, air conditioner, and humidifier of theHVAC system. In this example, output instructions may indicate that auser or installer should connect a power wire to a first terminal of thedynamically programmable thermostat 220, a heat wire to a secondterminal of the dynamically programmable thermostat 220, a fan wire to athird terminal of the dynamically programmable thermostat 220, ahumidifier wire to a fourth terminal of the dynamically programmablethermostat 220, and a cool wire to a fifth terminal of the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220. The dynamically programmable thermostat 220may store configuration data indicating that the first terminal isassociated with a power wire, the second terminal is associated with aheat wire, the third terminal is associated with a fan wire, the fourthterminal is associated with a humidifier wire, and the fifth terminal isassociated with a cool wire. The stored configuration data may enablethe dynamically programmable thermostat 220 to appropriately control theHVAC system with the dynamically established input terminals. To theextent the configuration of the HVAC system changes or the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220 is moved to another HVAC system, theterminals may be dynamically reassigned and the configuration data maybe updated to reflect the new configuration resulting from reassignmentof the terminals.

In some implementations, an HVAC system configuration or a particularHVAC system component is determined based on user inputs indicating aparticular HVAC system configuration or a particular HVAC systemcomponent that is to be connected to the dynamically programmablethermostat 220. For example, the thermostat can provide a menu interfaceat a display of the thermostat, and a user or installer of the HVACsystem can input information identifying a particular HVAC systemconfiguration or a particular HVAC system component or components thatthe thermostat will control. In another example, users and/or installersof the HVAC system can input information identifying a particular HVACsystem configuration and/or a particular HVAC system component orcomponents at a mobile device 240, 250, for example, using a menuassociated with the native control applications 142, 152.

In other implementations, determining a particular HVAC systemconfiguration or one or more HVAC system components is accomplishedbased on detecting a connection of the HVAC system having the particularconfiguration to the dynamically programmable thermostat 220 or based ondetecting connection of the one or more HVAC system components to thethermostat. For example, software drivers or other information can bereceived and/or detected by the dynamically programmable thermostat 220and used to determine that an HVAC system having a particularconfiguration or one or more particular HVAC system components have beenconnected to the thermostat. In other examples, data relating to thedrivers or information can be transmitted by the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220, and the thermostat can receive informationidentifying the HVAC system configuration and/or the one or more HVACsystem components. For example, the thermostat can transmit datarelating to the drivers or other information to the thermostatapplication server 260 via the thermostat control unit 210 and/or overone or more networks 205, and the dynamically programmable thermostat220 can receive information identifying the particular HVAC systemconfiguration or one or more HVAC system components connected to thethermostat.

In addition to accessing and providing instructions relating to theconfiguration of an HVAC system or one or more components of an HVACsystem, the dynamically programmable thermostat 220 can access andimplement processes associated with the operation of the HVAC system orone or more HVAC system components. For example, the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220 can access a process associated with theoperation of an air conditioner of a property's HVAC system, and canoperate the air conditioner based on the process to cool the property toa user-desired temperature. In some instances, the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220 can access operating processes locally, forexample, at a controller 212 associated with the thermostat control unit210 integrated with the thermostat 220, at a memory associated with thethermostat, etc. In other implementations, the dynamically programmablethermostat 220 can access operating processes over one or more networks205, for example, by accessing the processes at the thermostatapplication server 260 or at a website or database on the Internet.

In some instances, the dynamically programmable thermostat 220 canaccess the operating processes based on determining that an HVAC systemhaving a particular configuration or one or more particular componentsof an HVAC system have been configured to operate with the thermostat.For example, the thermostat 220 can access operating processesassociated with an air conditioner of an HVAC system based ondetermining that the air conditioner has been configured to operate withthe thermostat. In other implementations, the thermostat can access theone or more processes, and based on determining that an HVAC systemhaving a particular configuration or one or more particular HVAC systemcomponents have been configured to operate using the thermostat, thedynamically programmable thermostat 220 can implement the properprocess.

In some instances, the dynamically programmable thermostat 220 accessesoperating processes over one or more networks 205 while a networkconnection exists, and accesses operating processes locally while anetwork connection does not exist. For example, the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220 can obtain operating processes from thethermostat application server 260, a website, or a database based on thethermostat control unit 210 having a connection to one or more networks205. Based on the thermostat control unit 210 losing connection to theone or more networks 205, the dynamically programmable thermostat 220can access operating processes locally and can operate the HVAC systemor one or more HVAC system components based on the accessed processes.For example, the dynamically programmable thermostat 220 can locallymaintain a process for operating an HVAC system configuration featuringa single heat, single cool, stand-alone humidifier configuration. Basedon the thermostat not having access to one or more network connections,the thermostat can operate using the locally available process. Based ondetermining that a connection to one or more networks 205 becomesavailable or is reestablished, the dynamically programmable thermostat220 can access and utilize operating processes specific to theparticular HVAC system configuration or the one or more particular HVACsystem components featured in the system. In some implementations,accessing and obtaining operating processes can be achieved by a localconnection to a device storing or having access to operating processes,for example, by a local connection to a mobile device 240, 250 using aUSB, Ethernet, or other connection.

In some implementations, operating processes received by the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220 can be stored locally. Storing the processeslocally can enable the HVAC system to continue to operate using thereceived operating processes, regardless of interruptions in networkconnectivity and/or discontinuance of services related to networkconnectivity, access to the thermostat application server 260, or accessto use of the native control applications 142, 152 loaded at mobiledevices 240, 250.

In some instances, processes relating to the operation of a particularHVAC system configuration or one or more particular HVAC systemcomponents can be updated by a user, technician, or other individual,and the dynamically programmable thermostat 220 can operate the HVACsystem or one or more particular HVAC system components based on theupdated process. For example, a user can access a menu or otherinterface at the dynamically programmable thermostat 220 or using anative control application 142, 152 associated with a mobile device 240,250, and can update parameters or other inputs to a particular process.The dynamically programmable thermostat 220 can access the updatedprocess, and can operate the HVAC system or one or more components ofthe HVAC system based on the updated process. For example, an HVACsystem can be a two-stage HVAC system and a user of the system may wantto turn on each stage of the HVAC based on particular timing. In thisexample, the user may want the first HVAC system stage to turn on inorder to achieve a target temperature within a property, and the usermay further want the second HVAC system stage to turn on five minutesafter the first HVAC system stage turns on based on the targettemperature not being achieved after the five minute period.

Based on receiving one or more processes relating to the operation of anHVAC system associated with a property and/or one or more updatedprocesses relating to the operation of the HVAC system, the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220 can execute operations to control the HVACsystem based on the received processes. In some instances, the processescan identify one or more controller constant values used by thethermostat to determine on/off cycling of HVAC system components, andthe thermostat can operate the HVAC system based on a process thatutilizes the controller constant values. For example, the controllerconstant values can be values relating to aproportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, and the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220 can operate the HVAC system based on thereceived PID controller values. In other examples, a process received bythe dynamically programmable thermostat 220 can be another process, forexample, a set of rules or a piece of code, and the thermostat cancontrol the HVAC system based on the received rules or code.

In some implementations, receiving an updated process used by adynamically programmable thermostat 220 can include replacing orupdating a preexisting process with the received, updated process. Forexample, the dynamically programmable thermostat 220 can maintain aprocess for controlling an HVAC system associated with a property, andbased on receiving an updated process, the dynamically programmablethermostat 220 can update the preexisting process and can control theHVAC system using the updated process. In some instances, using theupdated process can include updating values used by a preexistingprocess to control the HVAC system, and controlling the HVAC systemusing the process that features the updated values. For example, anupdated process may specify updated PID controller values, and thedynamically programmable thermostat 220 can update values associatedwith a preexisting PID controller with the updated values to control theHVAC system using the updated process. In other instances, thethermostat can utilize an updated process by replacing, editing, orsupplementing a set of rules or code associated with a preexistingprocess with the updated rules or code, and controlling the HVAC systemusing the updated rule set or code.

In some instances, a process or updated process received by thethermostat 220 is used in controlling an HVAC system associated with aproperty. For example, a process or updated process relating to how athermostat controls an air conditioner of an HVAC system can be used todetermine when the thermostat should turn the air conditioner on and offin order to achieve and maintain a user-identified target temperature. Aprocess or updated process may cause the thermostat to activate the airconditioner, for example, at all times while a temperature within theproperty is two or more degrees above the user-identified targettemperature, to activate the air conditioner for five minutes beforedeactivating the air conditioner for five minutes while the temperatureat the property is zero to two degrees above the target temperature, andto turn the air conditioner off while the temperature within theproperty is less than or equal to the target temperature. While thereceived and/or updated processes used by the dynamically programmablethermostat 220 to control the HVAC system can alter the functionality ofthe HVAC system, the received and/or updated processes generally do notaffect user-identified target conditions for property, e.g., auser-identified preferred temperature and/or humidity level within theproperty. Rather, a process or updated process can use theuser-identified target conditions as inputs in determining operation ofthe HVAC system and how the HVAC system is controlled to reach thetarget conditions.

In some implementations, the dynamically programmable thermostat 220 canbe capable of intelligently updating and/or learning control processesfor operating an HVAC system associated with a property. For example,the thermostat can track the operation of an HVAC system over a periodof time as well as changes in environmental conditions within theproperty over the period of time, and the thermostat can dynamicallyupdate control processes based on the tracked operation andenvironmental conditions data. In some instances, the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220 can be capable of learning and/or updatingcontrol processes based on neural network learning techniques, or basedon other computer learning processes. In some instances, the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220 can use intelligent updating and/or learningto alter control values used by a control process, to alter rulesassociated with a control process, or to select or update particularcomputer code used to control the HVAC system associated with theproperty.

In some instances, control process learning and/or updating can be usedto increase the efficiency of an HVAC system associated with a property.For example, updates to a control process can be received by adynamically programmable thermostat 220 and/or the thermostat canintelligently update or perform learning with respect to a controlprocess to increase the energy efficiency of the HVAC system. Forexample, a dynamically programmable thermostat 220 capable ofintelligently updating a control process can use feedback dataindicating energy efficiency of the HVAC system in conjunction with dataindicating an operating history of the HVAC system to update a controlprocess, with the aim of the updated process being to increase theenergy efficiency of the HVAC system operation.

In some implementations, a control process can be updated to increasethe effectiveness of an HVAC system in achieving user-identifiedenvironmental conditions within a property. For example, updates to acontrol process can be received by a dynamically programmable thermostat220 and/or the thermostat can intelligently update or perform learningwith respect to a control process to increase the effectiveness of theHVAC system in achieving user-identified conditions. For example, adynamically programmable thermostat 220 can receive and implement anupdated control process that is based on historical data indicating therate and accuracy with which the HVAC system achieves user-identifiedconditions in conjunction with data indicating an operating history ofthe HVAC system, and the updated process can be used to increase therate at which the HVAC system can match environmental conditions withinthe property to user-identified target conditions.

In some implementations, information relating to environmentalconditions at the property, activity at the property, current weather,and/or weather forecasts can be obtained and can be used to determinethe operation of the HVAC system controlled by the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220. For example, environmental data and/or dataindicating activity at the property can be obtained from one or moresensors associated with the module 230, and weather conditions and/orweather forecasts can be obtained from the thermostat application server260 or using connections to one or more networks 205. Based on theinformation, the operating processes and/or the operation of the HVACsystem can be updated.

In some instances, an operating process and/or the operation of an HVACsystem associated with a property can be updated to conserve energyduring particular times. For example, based on activity sensors at aproperty determining that no residents of the property are at theproperty during the daytime for the days Monday through Friday, anoperating process for the HVAC system associated with the property canbe updated to conserve energy during those times. For example, operationof the HVAC system can be updated such that components of the HVACsystem are operated or cycled less frequently, thereby causing the HVACsystem to achieve a target temperature at a slower rate than ifresidents of the property are at the property. In another example,operation of the HVAC system can be updated based on no one occupyingthe property at a particular time such that the HVAC takes greateradvantage of current and/or anticipated weather conditions at theproperty. For instance, based on weather data for a geographic region ofthe property indicating that outdoor temperatures will be closer to atarget temperature at a time later in the day when residents of theproperty typically return home, the HVAC system may operate to takeadvantage of the changing temperatures, thereby increasing energyefficiency. For example, components of the HVAC system may be operatedat a reduced cycling frequency to reduce energy consumption while stillreaching a target temperature by the time residents typically return tothe property. In another example, an operating process associated withan HVAC system having an air conditioner can indicate that the airconditioner should turn on in the event that the outside temperature atthe property is above a certain temperature, regardless of the internalproperty temperature. By turning on the air conditioner prior to thetemperature in the property increasing drastically, the HVAC system mayachieve overall improved energy efficiency.

In some instances, operating processes can be dynamically updated and/ordynamically evolve to incorporate additional variables, e.g.,environmental data, activity, weather, resident locations, etc., anddata from different sources, e.g., from mobile devices 240, 250associated with residents of the property, weather service providers,etc. In some instances, operating processes can be updated and/or evolveto incorporate additional variables based on data pertaining to theadditional variables becoming available or sufficient to use in updatingand/or evolving the control processes.

For example, weather data can be incorporated into a process forcontrolling an HVAC system based on obtained weather data beingavailable and/or being sufficient to demonstrate weather patterns ortrends. The weather data can be incorporated into a control processassociated with the HVAC system to increase the efficiency of HVACsystem operation, to schedule HVAC system operation based on weatherforecast data, or to control an HVAC system based on a target energyusage amount or energy usage cost for a period of time, e.g., to saveenergy consumption at a particular point in time based on a weatherforecast indicating a future heat wave that will prompt increased energyusage. In some examples, energy consumption data can be incorporatedinto processes for operating an HVAC system, where the energyconsumption data can be used to determine operation of the HVAC systembased on a predicted energy usage amount or predicted energy costassociated with operating the HVAC system for a certain period of time.In some instances, energy consumption data can be data collected fromthe property and/or from the HVAC system associated with the property,and can be based on energy consumption data collected from the propertyover a period of time. In still other examples, data relating to useractivity, resident locations, and/or user inputs relating to the HVACsystem can be incorporated in an HVAC system control process by updatingthe process and/or by the process evolving, e.g., through a computerlearning technique. For example, user inputs that have been tracked overtime can indicate that a user frequently increases the targettemperature for a property when leaving the property, and a process forcontrolling the HVAC system of the property can incorporate this data,for example, by affecting how the HVAC system achieves a targetuser-input temperature during times when residents are away from theproperty.

In some instances, performance, energy efficiency, maintenance needs,and other information regarding an HVAC system or components of an HVACsystem can be accessed over one or more networks 205 associated with thedynamically programmable thermostat 220. For example, the thermostatcontrol unit 210 can operate as a gateway device, and installers,technicians, or other users can access information relating to thestatus of the HVAC system or one or more HVAC system components. In someinstances, accessing the information can involve accessing theinformation over one or more networks using a native control application142, 152 associated with a mobile device 240, 250, can involve accessingthe information via the thermostat application server 260, or caninvolve accessing the information using another device over one or morenetworks 205, e.g., a website.

The dynamically programmable thermostat can utilize performance, energyefficiency, maintenance, and other information relating to an HVACsystem to detect errors or faults in the HVAC system. Based on detectingan error, the dynamically programmable thermostat can report the error,for example, to an installer, technician, monitoring service provider,or home owner. In some instances, the error can be reported at a displayof the dynamically programmable thermostat, or can be reported at a webor mobile-based application, for example, by transmitting informationidentifying the error over one or more networks 205.

For example, a boiler component of an HVAC system associated with adynamically programmable thermostat might report that it has an outputtemperature that is above an allowable limit and, in response, theboiler may be turned off. In this case, the dynamically programmablethermostat may additionally issue a report to users indicating that theboiler was turned off due to the boiler's output temperature beingoutside of the allowable limit. In another example, a fault relating toan air conditioner can cause the air conditioner to run constantlywithout achieving a target temperature in a home. Such a fault mayresult in many errors being detected by the system. A first error may bereported by the dynamically programmable thermostat indicating that thetarget temperature has not been achieved despite the air conditionerbeing active. A second error may be reported based on temperaturesensors within the home indicating that the temperature within the househas not reached the target temperature within a sixty minute period,when a typical time to reach the target temperature is forty minutes.Still a third error may be reported based on determining that the HVACsystem is consuming 4.0 kWh of energy per hour when typical energyconsumption levels are 2.5 kWh of energy per hour. Thus, error and faultdetection can utilize robust and redundant methods to accurately reporterrors, and can monitor the entire home and HVAC system as opposed toonly individual HVAC system components.

In some implementations, the dynamically programmable thermostat 220 caninclude or be adapted to include a dynamic serial interface that allowsthe thermostat to operate HVAC systems and HVAC system componentsfeaturing digital communication links. For example, the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 220 can feature dynamic 24 V relay connectionsand terminals, and can additionally or alternatively feature dynamicserial interfaces. In some instances, the dynamically programmablethermostat 220 featuring serial interfaces can be updated and/orupgraded to support new functionality for HVAC systems or HVAC systemcomponents, and/or can adapt to new protocols associated with use ofHVAC systems or HVAC system components that feature serial interfaces.Such updates and/or upgrades can be achieved locally, for example, bytransmitting the updates to the thermostat via a plug-in device ormobile device 240, 250, or can be achieved through a remote connection,for example, a connection to one or more networks 205.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example process associated with configuring one ormore HVAC system components to be controlled by a dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat. In some implementations, the process 300 can beperformed by the system 200 of FIG. 2.

The system can receive data that identifies a particular type of HVACsystem component (302). For example, a user of an HVAC system associatedwith a property can provide input at an interface of the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat that specifies one or more particular types ofHVAC system components that are to be controlled by the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat. In some implementations, the informationidentifying the type of HVAC system component can be information thatindicates a function of the HVAC system component, such as informationthat indicates that the HVAC system component is an air conditioner,humidifier, furnace, fan, boiler, or other HVAC system component. Insome implementations, the information can additionally or alternativelyindicate a manufacturer of the HVAC system component, a model of theHVAC system component, a version or serial number of the HVAC systemcomponent, or other information that identifies the HVAC systemcomponent and that is necessary for determining the configuration andinstallation requirements of the HVAC system component. The informationreceived that identifies the type of HVAC system component can beinformation that is received based on user input, or can be informationdetermined by the dynamically programmable thermostat. For example, thedynamically programmable thermostat may identify a type of HVAC systemcomponent when the component is connected to the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat. In this example, the dynamically programmablethermostat may identify the type of HVAC system component throughcommunications exchanged with the HVAC system component.

Based on receiving the data identifying the particular type of HVACsystem component, configuration information for the particular type ofHVAC system component is accessed by the system (304). For example,based on receiving the data identifying the particular type of HVACsystem component, the dynamically programmable thermostat can transmitthe information identifying the particular type of HVAC system componentto the thermostat application server. The thermostat application servercan receive the information identifying the particular type of HVACsystem component from the dynamically programmable thermostat, and canaccess configuration information for the particular type of HVAC systemcomponent.

In some implementations, the system accesses the configurationinformation at a database maintained by the thermostat applicationserver. In other implementations, the thermostat application server canaccess the configuration information for the particular type of HVACsystem component at another resource that is accessible to thethermostat application server, for example, at one or more databases,web sites, or other resources that are accessible to the thermostatapplication server over one or more local networks or other networks. Inaddition, the dynamically programmable thermostat can access theconfiguration information directly, for example, without communicatingthe information identifying the particular type of HVAC system componentto the thermostat application server. In such an implementation, thedynamically programmable thermostat can access the configurationinformation locally, for example, at a database maintained by thedynamically programmable thermostat, or can access the configurationinformation at a resource accessible to the dynamically programmablethermostat over one or more local or other networks.

The configuration information can be information that is usable toinstall, configure, and/or control the particular type of HVAC systemcomponent. For example, the configuration information can be informationthat specifies an installation procedure for installing the type of HVACsystem component at a property associated with an HVAC system. Theconfiguration information can specify one or more wiring diagrams usableto connect the type of HVAC system component to a thermostat and/or toother system components of an HVAC system. The configuration informationcan specify one or more control processes, operating parameters, orother information related to the control of the particular type of HVACsystem component. Other information relevant to the installation and/orcontrol of the particular type of HVAC system component can be includedin the configuration information.

Based on accessing the configuration information for the type of HVACsystem component, a configuration for one or more relays or otherinterface ports of the dynamically programmable thermostat can bedetermined (306). For example, based on the thermostat applicationserver receiving the information identifying the particular type of HVACsystem component and accessing configuration information for theparticular type of HVAC system component, the thermostat applicationserver can transmit the configuration information to the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat. The dynamically programmable thermostat canreceive the configuration information, and can determine a configurationof one or more of its relays or other interface ports based on theconfiguration information. For example, the relays or other interfaceports of the dynamically programmable thermostat may be reconfigurablerelays or other interface ports. Based on the received configurationinformation, the dynamically programmable thermostat can determine aconfiguration for one or more relays or other interface ports that willaccommodate the necessary connections between the type of HVAC systemcomponent and the dynamically programmable thermostat. In some examples,the thermostat application server can determine the necessaryconfiguration of the one or more relays or other interface ports of thedynamically programmable thermostat necessary to accommodate theconnections between the type of HVAC system component and thedynamically programmable thermostat. Based on the thermostat applicationserver determining the configuration information, the thermostatapplication server can provide the dynamically programmable thermostatwith information specifying the determined configuration.

One or more of the relays or other interface ports of the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat can be configured based on the determinedconfiguration (308). For example, as described, the one or more relaysor other interface ports of the dynamically programmable thermostat canbe configurable relays or interface ports, and based on the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat determining a configuration for the HVAC systemor receiving information specifying a determined configuration for theHVAC system, the dynamically programmable thermostat can configure therelays or interface ports of the dynamically programmable thermostataccording to the determined configuration.

The dynamically programmable thermostat can detect a connection betweenthe particular type of HVAC system component and the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat that satisfies the determined configuration(310). For example, a user of the HVAC system associated with theproperty can connect the terminals of the particular type of HVACcomponent to the configured relays or other interface ports of thedynamically programmable thermostat such that the connections betweenthe type of HVAC system component and the dynamically programmablethermostat satisfy the determined configuration necessary for thedynamically programmable thermostat to control the type of HVAC systemcomponent. The dynamically programmable thermostat can detect theseconnections and determine that the connections satisfy the determinedconfiguration.

In some examples, the dynamically programmable thermostat can detect aconnection to a type of HVAC system component. For instance, thedynamically programmable thermostat can determine that an unknown HVACsystem component has been connected to one or more relays of thedynamically programmable thermostat. The dynamically programmablethermostat can determine, access, or receive information that specifiesthe type of the connected HVAC system component and/or a determinedconfiguration for the connections between the dynamically programmablethermostat and the type of the connected HVAC system component. Therelays or other terminals of the dynamically programmable thermostat canthen be reconfigured by the dynamically programmable thermostat suchthat the connections between the connected HVAC system component and therelays or other terminals of the dynamically programmable thermostatsatisfy the determined configuration.

The dynamically programmable thermostat can control the type of HVACsystem component (312). For example, based on detecting the connectionbetween an HVAC system component of the particular type of HVAC systemcomponent and the dynamically programmable thermostat such that theconnection satisfies the determined configuration, the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat can begin to control the operation of the HVACsystem component. Controlling the type of HVAC system component caninvolve controlling the HVAC system component according to one or morecontrol processes, user preferences (e.g., a target temperature set by auser of the property associated with the HVAC system), HVAC systempolicies (e.g., an energy efficiency policy), etc. In someimplementations, controlling the type of HVAC system component using thedynamically programmable thermostat involves the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat sending signals to the HVAC system component toturn the HVAC system component on or off. In addition, thecommunications between the dynamically programmable thermostat and theHVAC system component can include more information, for example,information indicating a fan speed for a fan, or can include otherinformation.

In some implementations, the dynamically programmable thermostat canreceive information or feedback from the HVAC system component, and cancontrol the HVAC system component based at least in part on the receivedinformation. For example, the dynamically programmable thermostat canreceive information that indicates the energy consumption of the HVACsystem component, and the dynamically programmable thermostat cancontrol the HVAC system component based on the energy consumptioninformation. For example, the dynamically programmable thermostat maycontrol the HVAC system component according to an energy usage policythat specifies a maximum rate or amount of energy used by the HVACsystem component or HVAC system as a whole, and can control (e.g., turnon or off) the HVAC system component based on the energy usage policyand the received energy consumption information. In some examples, thedynamically programmable thermostat can receive information from theHVAC system component that indicates a status or reports errors detectedby the HVAC system component, and the dynamically programmablethermostat can control the HVAC system component based on the status orerror report information. For example, based on receiving informationindicating that a motor of an air conditioning unit is operating at atemperature that is above normal, the dynamically programmablethermostat can control the air conditioning unit by turning off the airconditioning unit, running the air conditioning unit less frequently(e.g., by cycling the air conditioner on and off), or by otherwisecontrolling the air conditioning unit.

In some implementations, the dynamically programmable thermostat canprovide information for display to users of a property associated withthe HVAC system that is based on the control of the HVAC systemcomponents and/or the information received from the HVAC systemcomponents. For example, based on receiving an error message from an airconditioner that indicates that the air conditioner motor is operatingat a high temperature, the dynamically programmable thermostat canprovide information at a display associated with the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat that notifies users of the property associatedwith the HVAC system that the air conditioner may require repair and/orthat the dynamically programmable thermostat has adjusted the operationof the air conditioner in response to the error.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an example related to reconfiguring relays orother interface ports of a dynamically programmable thermostat. Asdiscussed, the relays or other interface ports of a dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat can be configured to perform different functionsand/or interface with different types of HVAC system components. Therelays or other interface ports can also be dynamically reconfiguredbased on the configuration of the HVAC system associated with thedynamically programmable controller being modified. For example, whenHVAC system components are added or removed from the HVAC system, therelays or other interface ports of the dynamically programmablethermostat can be reconfigured to control the HVAC system components.

The HVAC system 400 of FIGS. 4A and 4B includes a dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 410 associated with relays 415 a-415 e, athermostat application server 460, an air conditioner 422 a and ahumidifier 422 b. The dynamically programmable thermostat 410 canexchange communications with the thermostat application server 460 overa network 405.

At a first point in time, shown at FIG. 4A, the HVAC system 400 includesa single HVAC system component, the air conditioner 422 a, which thedynamically programmable thermostat 410 has been configured to control.The dynamically programmable thermostat 410 displays, at an interfaceassociated with the dynamically programmable thermostat 410, a wiringdiagram for the current configuration of the HVAC system 400.Specifically, the display shows a wiring diagram in which thedynamically programmable thermostat 410 is connected to the airconditioner 422 a by the relays 415 a and 415 c. The air conditioner 422a has been connected to the dynamically programmable thermostat 410according to the determined configuration, that is, with the airconditioner 422 a connected to relays 415 a, 415 c of the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 410. For example, one of the connections betweenthe air conditioner 422 a and the dynamically programmable thermostat410 may be configured to control a fan associated with the airconditioner 422 a, while another connection between the air conditioner422 a and the dynamically programmable controller 410 may be configuredto control a cooling unit associated with the air conditioner 422 a(e.g., to control whether the air conditioner 422 a is cooling or is notcooling).

In some implementations, the determined configuration for the HVACsystem 400 at the first point in time may have been determined by thedynamically programmable thermostat 410 and/or the thermostatapplication server 460 based on the dynamically programmable thermostat410 receiving information identifying the air conditioner 422 a. Basedon the received information, the dynamically programmable thermostat 410may have accessed configuration information associated with installingand/or controlling the air conditioner 422 a. For example, thedynamically programmable thermostat 410 may have received informationidentifying the air conditioner 422 a (e.g., based on user inputprovided at the dynamically programmable thermostat 410) and may haveaccessed the configuration information at the thermostat applicationserver 460. Based on the configuration information, a configuration wasdetermined for the HVAC system 400. For example, the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 410 and/or the thermostat application server 460may have determined a configuration of the HVAC system 400 that wouldenable the dynamically programmable thermostat 410 to control the airconditioner 422 a. Based on the determined configuration, thedynamically programmable thermostat 410 has configured one or more ofits relays 415 a-415 e in accordance with the determined configuration.The dynamically programmable thermostat 410 also outputs a visualizationof the determined configuration such that a user of a propertyassociated with the HVAC system 400 is able to install and configure theair conditioner 422 a to be controlled by the dynamically programmablethermostat 410.

At a second, later point in time, shown at FIG. 4B, a second HVAC systemcomponent, the humidifier 422 b, has been added to the HVAC system 400.The HVAC system 400 at the second point in time is configured to controlboth the air conditioner 422 a and the humidifier 422 b. In configuringthe HVAC system 400 to control both the air conditioner 422 a and thehumidifier 422 b, the relays 415 a-415 e of the dynamically programmablethermostat have been reconfigured. As shown, while the air conditioner422 a shown in FIG. 4A was connected to the relays 415 a, 415 c of thedynamically programmable thermostat 410, the air conditioner 422 a asshown in FIG. 4B is connected to the relays 415 a, 415 b of thedynamically programmable thermostat. Additionally, at the second pointin time shown in FIG. 4B, the humidifier 422 b, which was not previouslyconnected to the dynamically programmable thermostat 410, is connectedto the relays 415 c, 415 e of the dynamically programmable thermostat410. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 4B, the interface associated withthe dynamically programmable thermostat 410 displays the newconfiguration of the HVAC system 400. As shown, the wiring diagram ofthe HVAC system 400 has the dynamically programmable thermostat 410connected to the air conditioner 422 a through relays 415 a, 415 b, andthe dynamically programmable thermostat 410 connected to the humidifier422 b through the relays 415 c, 415 e.

In some implementations, the determined configuration for the HVACsystem 400 at the second point in time may be determined by thedynamically programmable thermostat and/or the thermostat applicationserver 460. The configuration may be determined based on receivinginformation at the dynamically programmable thermostat 410 identifyingthe air conditioner 422 a and the humidifier 422 b, for example,information received based on a user input provided to the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 410 or information determined by the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 410 when the dynamically programmable thermostat410 detects a connection to an HVAC system component. Based on thereceived information identifying the air conditioner 422 a and thehumidifier 422 b, the dynamically programmable thermostat 410 may accessconfiguration information associated with installing and/or controllingthe air conditioner 422 a and the humidifier 422 b. For example, thedynamically programmable thermostat 410 may store or otherwise be ableto access (e.g., at the thermostat application server 460) configurationinformation associated with the air conditioner 422 a. The dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 410 may also access configuration informationassociated with the humidifier 422 b, for example, by accessing theinformation at the thermostat application server 460. Based on theconfiguration information, a configuration is determined for the HVACsystem 400. For example, the dynamically programmable thermostat 410and/or the thermostat application server 460 may determine aconfiguration for the HVAC system 400 that enables the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat to control both the air conditioner 422 a andthe humidifier 422 b. Based on the determined configuration, thedynamically programmable thermostat 410 has configured one or more ofits relays 415 a-415 e in accordance with the determined configuration.For example, the dynamically programmable thermostat may havereconfigured the relays 415 a-415 e to control the air conditioner 422 athrough the relays 415 a and 415 b instead of the relays 415 a and 415 cas the system was configured to control the air conditioner 422 a at thefirst point in time shown in FIG. 4A. In addition to configuring therelays 415 a-415 e, the dynamically programmable thermostat 410 alsooutputs a visualization of the determined configuration such that a userof a property associated with the HVAC system 400 is able use thevisualization as a guide to installing and configuring the airconditioner 422 a to be controlled by the dynamically programmablethermostat 410.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an example of updating a control processassociated with controlling HVAC system components using a dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat. The HVAC system 500 of FIGS. 5A and 5B includesa dynamically programmable thermostat 510, a thermostat applicationserver 560, an air conditioner 522 a, a humidifier 522 b, and a furnace522 c.

The dynamically programmable thermostat 510 is associated with a localdatabase 570 or other data storage component that includes a controlprocess 580 associated with controlling an HVAC system. In someexamples, the control process 580 may be a generic control process,meaning that the control process 580 is not specific to the HVAC system500. The control process 580 may include processes for controllingdifferent types of HVAC system components, where the processes may eachbe associated with one or more parameters. For example, the controlprocess 580 includes a process for controlling an air conditioner thatis associated with the parameters A, B, and C. Similarly, the controlprocess 580 includes a process for controlling a humidifier that isassociated with the parameters D, E, and F, and a process forcontrolling a furnace that is associated with the parameters G, H, andI.

The thermostat application server 560 is associated with a database orother data storage component that includes a control process 590associated with controlling an HVAC system 500. In some examples, thecontrol process 590 may be specific to the HVAC system 500, or mayotherwise be a preferred process for controlling the HVAC system 500(e.g., the control process 590 may be superior to the control process580 in one or more ways). The control process 590 may include processesfor controlling different types of HVAC system components, where theprocesses may each be associated with one or more parameters. Forexample, the control process 590 includes a process for controlling anair conditioner that is associated with the parameters M, N, and O.Similarly, the control process 590 includes a process for controlling ahumidifier that is associated with the parameters P, Q, and R, and aprocess for controlling a furnace that is associated with the parametersX, Y, and Z. In some examples, the processes of the control process 590may each be specific to a particular type of HVAC system component ofthe HVAC system 500. For example, the air conditioner process may bespecific to the air conditioner 522 a, the humidifier process may bespecific to the humidifier 522 b, and the furnace process may bespecific to the furnace 522 c.

At a first point in time shown at FIG. 5A, the dynamically programmablethermostat 510 is not in communication with the thermostat applicationserver 560. For example, the dynamically programmable thermostat 510 maynot be able to communicate with the thermostat application server 560based on the network 505 not being available, based on a power outageaffecting the network 505 and/or the thermostat application server 560,or for another reason. Since the dynamically programmable thermostat 510is not able to communicate with the thermostat application server 560,the dynamically programmable thermostat 510 may determine aconfiguration for the HVAC system 500 and may control the HVAC system500 based on the control process 580. For example, the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 510 can determine a configuration for the HVACsystem 500 such that the dynamically programmable thermostat 510 cancontrol the HVAC system components 522 a-522 c, and the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 510 can control the configured HVAC system 500according to the control process 580 that it accesses locally at thelocal database 570.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the dynamically programmable thermostat 510 canaccess the control process 580 and can use the processes of the controlprocess 580 to control the HVAC system components 522 a-522 c. Forexample, an interface of the dynamically programmable thermostat 510, asshown in FIG. 5A, shows that the process being used by the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat to control the air conditioner 522 a isassociated with the parameters A, B, and C, the process being used tocontrol the humidifier 522 b is associated with the parameters D, E, andF, and the process being used to control the furnace 522 c is associatedwith the parameters G, H, and I. In some implementations, thedynamically programmable thermostat 510 can control the HVAC systemcomponents 522 a-522 c using the control process 580 for as long as thedynamically programmable thermostat 510 is not able to communicate withthe thermostat application server 560.

At a second, later point in time shown at FIG. 5B, the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 510 has established communication with thethermostat application server 560 over the network 505. Based on havingaccess to the thermostat application server 560, the dynamicallycontrollable thermostat 510 can access the control process 590 that isstored at the database or other data storage component associated withthe thermostat application server 560. The dynamically programmablethermostat 510 and/or the thermostat application server 560 candetermine a configuration for the HVAC system 500 and the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 510 can configure one or relays 515 a-515 naccording to the determined configuration. In some instances, thedetermined configuration can be specific to the control process 590, canbe a configuration determined by the dynamically programmable thermostat510 and/or the thermostat application server 560 based on dataidentifying the HVAC system components 522 a-522 c, or can be aconfiguration that is otherwise determined. In some implementations,reconfiguring the relays 515 a-515 n of the dynamically programmablethermostat 510 according to the determined configuration may require theconnections between the dynamically programmable thermostat 510 and theHVAC system components 522 a-522 c to be updated. For example, a user ofa property associated with the HVAC system 500 may be required to updatethe connections according to the determined configuration.

Based on the HVAC system 500 being configured according to thedetermined configuration and the dynamically programmable thermostat 510accessing the control process 590, the dynamically programmablethermostat 510 can control the HVAC system components according to thecontrol process 590. For example, the dynamically programmablethermostat 510 can access the control process 590 and can set, replace,or update the control process used by the dynamically programmablethermostat 510 to control the HVAC system components to use the controlprocess 590. For example, the dynamically programmable thermostat 510may update the processes used to control the HVAC system components 522a-522 c from the processes associated with the control process 580 tothe processes associated with the control process 590. As an example,the parameters of a process used to control the air conditioner 522 amay be updated from the parameters A, B, and C as specified by thecontrol process 580 to the parameters M, N, and O as specified by thecontrol process 590. The parameters of a process associated withcontrolling the humidifier 522 b may be updated from the parameters D,E, and F specified by the control process 580 to the parameters P, Q,and R specified by the control process 590. The parameters of a processassociated with controlling the furnace 522 c may be updated from theparameters G, H, and I specified by the control process 580 to theparameters X, Y, and Z specified by the control process 590. Based onthe dynamically programmable thermostat 510 updating the control processused to control the HVAC system components 522 a-522 c to the controlprocess 590, the dynamically programmable thermostat 510 can proceed tocontrol the HVAC system 500 according to the control process 590.

In some examples, the control processes 580 and 590 may be updated, andthe dynamically programmable thermostat 510 may update the controlprocess used to control the HVAC system 500 based on the controlprocesses 580, 590 being updated. In some implementations, thedynamically programmable thermostat 510 may store data defining thecontrol process 590 at the local database 570, such that the dynamicallyprogrammable thermostat 510 may be able to access the control process590 regardless of whether the dynamically programmable thermostat 510 isin communication with the thermostat application server 560.

The described systems, methods, and techniques may be implemented indigital electronic circuitry, computer hardware, firmware, software, orin combinations of these elements. Apparatus implementing thesetechniques can include appropriate input and output devices, a computerprocessor, and a computer program product tangibly embodied in amachine-readable storage device for execution by a programmableprocessor. A process implementing these techniques can be performed by aprogrammable processor executing a program of instructions to performdesired functions by operating on input data and generating appropriateoutput. The techniques can be implemented in one or more computerprograms that are executable on a programmable system including at leastone programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructionsfrom, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system,at least one input device, and at least one output device. Each computerprogram can be implemented in a high-level procedural or object-orientedprogramming language, or in assembly or machine language if desired; andin any case, the language can be a compiled or interpreted language.Suitable processors include, by way of example, both general and specialpurpose microprocessors. Generally, a processor will receiveinstructions and data from a read-only memory and/or a random accessmemory. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer programinstructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory,including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such asErasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically ErasableProgrammable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), and flash memory devices;magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks;magneto-optical disks; and Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM). Anyof the foregoing can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, speciallydesigned application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

It will be understood that various modifications can be made. Forexample, other useful implementations could be achieved if steps of thedisclosed techniques were performed in a different order and/or ifcomponents in the disclosed systems were combined in a different mannerand/or replaced or supplemented by other components. Accordingly, otherimplementations are within the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A programmable controller associated with aheating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for a property,the programmable controller comprising: interface ports that areconfigurable in multiple settings that relate to multiple, differenttypes of HVAC system components; at least one processor; and at leastone computer-readable storage medium coupled to the at least oneprocessor having stored thereon instructions which, when executed by theat least one processor, cause the at least one processor to performoperations comprising: receiving data identifying a particular type ofHVAC system component that is to be controlled by the programmablecontroller; based on receiving the data identifying the particular typeof HVAC system component, accessing configuration information for theparticular type of HVAC system component; determining a configurationfor one or more of the interface ports of the programmable controllerbased on the configuration information for the particular type of HVACsystem component; configuring the one or more interface ports of theprogrammable controller according to the determined configuration;detecting a connection between the particular type of HVAC systemcomponent and the programmable controller that satisfies the determinedconfiguration; and based on detecting the connection between theparticular type of HVAC system component and the programmable controllerthat satisfies the determined configuration, controlling the particulartype of HVAC system component through the one or more interface portsby: accessing a first control process at a storage component of theprogrammable controller based on the programmable controller lackingnetwork access, and accessing a second control process at a server incommunication with the programmable controller based on the programmablecontroller having network access; and controlling the particular type ofHVAC system component by the programmable controller according to thefirst control process based on the programmable controller havingaccessed the first control process but not the second control process,and controlling the particular type of HVAC system component by theprogrammable controller according to the second control process based onthe programmable controller having accessed the second control process.2. The programmable controller of claim 1: wherein accessing theconfiguration information for the particular type of HVAC systemcomponent comprises accessing information that specifies a wiringarrangement used to enable a controller to communicate with theparticular type of HVAC system component; and wherein determining theconfiguration for the one or more of the interface ports of theprogrammable controller based on the configuration information for theparticular type of HVAC system component comprises determining aconfiguration for the one or more of the interface ports of theprogrammable controller that is compatible with the wiring arrangementused to enable a controller to communicate with the particular type ofHVAC system component.
 3. The programmable controller of claim 1:wherein receiving the data identifying the particular type of HVACsystem component that is to be controlled by the programmable controllercomprises receiving user input that specifies the particular type ofHVAC system component that is to be controlled by the programmablecontroller.
 4. The programmable controller of claim 1: wherein receivingthe data identifying the particular type of HVAC system component thatis to be controlled by the programmable controller comprises: detectinga HVAC system component that has been connected to one or more of theinterface ports of the programmable controller; and receiving, by theconnection of the HVAC system component to the one or more of theinterface ports of the programmable controller, data from the HVACsystem component that specifies the particular type of HVAC systemcomponent.
 5. The programmable controller of claim 1, wherein theoperations comprise: accessing data that specifies a process forconfiguring the particular type of HVAC system component to becontrolled by the programmable controller; generating a visualrepresentation of the process for configuring the particular type ofHVAC system component to be controlled by the programmable controller;and providing, for display, the visual representation of the process forconfiguring the particular type of HVAC system component to becontrolled by the programmable controller.
 6. The programmablecontroller of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first control processand the second control process comprises one or more parameters, andwherein the operations comprise: receiving data that specifies updatesto one or more of the parameters of the at least one of the firstcontrol process and the second control process; updating at least one ofthe first control process and the second control process, based on thedata that specifies the updates to the one or more of the parameters ofthe at least one of the first control process and the second controlprocess; and controlling the particular type of HVAC system component bythe programmable controller according to the updated at least one of thefirst control process and the second control process.
 7. Theprogrammable controller of claim 1: wherein the programmable controlleris a programmable thermostat; and wherein configuring the one or moreinterface ports of the programmable controller according to thedetermined configuration comprises configuring one or more 24V relays ofthe programmable thermostat or one or more digital relays of theprogrammable thermostat according to the determined configuration. 8.The programmable controller of claim 1, wherein the operations comprise:receiving data identifying a second particular type of HVAC systemcomponent that is to be controlled by the programmable controller; basedon receiving the data identifying the second particular type of HVACsystem component, accessing configuration information for the secondparticular type of HVAC system component; determining a configurationfor one or more other interface ports of the programmable controllerbased on the configuration information for the second particular type ofHVAC system component; configuring the one or more other interface portsof the programmable controller according to the determined configurationfor the one or more other interface ports of the programmablecontroller; detecting a connection between the second particular type ofHVAC system component and the programmable controller that satisfies thedetermined configuration for the one or more other interface ports ofthe programmable controller; and based on detecting the connectionbetween the second particular type of HVAC system component and theprogrammable controller that satisfies the determined configuration forthe one or more other interface ports of the programmable controller,controlling the second particular type of HVAC system component throughthe one or more other interface ports in addition to controlling theparticular type of HVAC system component through the one or moreinterface ports.
 9. The programmable controller of claim 8, whereincontrolling the second particular type of HVAC system component throughthe one or more other interface ports in addition to controlling theparticular type of HVAC system component through the one or moreinterface ports comprises: accessing a third control process at astorage component of the programmable controller based on theprogrammable controller lacking network access, and accessing a fourthcontrol process at a server in communication with the programmablecontroller based on the programmable controller having network access;and controlling the second particular type of HVAC system component bythe programmable controller according to the third control process basedon the programmable controller having accessed the third control processbut not the fourth control process, and controlling the particular typeof HVAC system component by the programmable controller according to thefourth control process based on the programmable controller havingaccessed the fourth control process.
 10. The programmable controller ofclaim 1, wherein the interface ports of the programmable controller aredynamically configurable to connect to one or more different types ofHVAC system components, and wherein configuring the one or moreinterface ports of the programmable controller according to thedetermined configuration comprises configuring one or more of thedynamically configurable interface ports of the programmable controlleraccording to the determined configuration.
 11. A method comprising:receiving data identifying a particular type of heating, ventilation,and air conditioning (HVAC) system component that is to be controlled bya programmable controller; based on receiving the data identifying theparticular type of HVAC system component, accessing configurationinformation for the particular type of HVAC system component;determining a configuration for one or more interface ports of theprogrammable controller based on the configuration information for theparticular type of HVAC system component, wherein the one or moreinterface ports are configurable in multiple settings that relate tomultiple, different types of HVAC system components; configuring the oneor more interface ports of the programmable controller according to thedetermined configuration; detecting a connection between the particulartype of HVAC system component and the programmable controller thatsatisfies the determined configuration; and based on detecting theconnection between the particular type of HVAC system component and theprogrammable controller that satisfies the determined configuration,controlling the particular type of HVAC system component through the oneor more interface ports by: accessing a first control process at astorage component of the programmable controller based on theprogrammable controller lacking network access, and accessing a secondcontrol process at a server in communication with the programmablecontroller based on the programmable controller having network access;and controlling the particular type of HVAC system component by theprogrammable controller according to the first control process based onthe programmable controller having accessed the first control processbut not the second control process, and controlling the particular typeof HVAC system component by the programmable controller according to thesecond control process based on the programmable controller havingaccessed the second control process.
 12. The method of claim 11: whereinaccessing the configuration information for the particular type of HVACsystem component comprises accessing information that specifies a wiringarrangement used to enable a controller to communicate with theparticular type of HVAC system component; and wherein determining theconfiguration for the one or more of the interface ports of theprogrammable controller based on the configuration information for theparticular type of HVAC system component comprises determining aconfiguration for the one or more of the interface ports of theprogrammable controller that is compatible with the wiring arrangementused to enable a controller to communicate with the particular type ofHVAC system component.
 13. The method of claim 11: wherein receiving thedata identifying the particular type of HVAC system component that is tobe controlled by the programmable controller comprises receiving userinput that specifies the particular type of HVAC system component thatis to be controlled by the programmable controller.
 14. The method ofclaim 11: wherein receiving the data identifying the particular type ofHVAC system component that is to be controlled by the programmablecontroller comprises: detecting a HVAC system component that has beenconnected to one or more of the interface ports of the programmablecontroller; and receiving, by the connection of the HVAC systemcomponent to the one or more of the interface ports of the programmablecontroller, data from the HVAC system component that specifies theparticular type of HVAC system component.
 15. The method of claim 11,comprising: accessing data that specifies a process for configuring theparticular type of HVAC system component to be controlled by theprogrammable controller; generating a visual representation of theprocess for configuring the particular type of HVAC system component tobe controlled by the programmable controller; and providing, fordisplay, the visual representation of the process for configuring theparticular type of HVAC system component to be controlled by theprogrammable controller.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein at leastone of the first control process and the second control processcomprises one or more parameters, and wherein the operations comprise:receiving data that specifies updates to one or more of the parametersof the at least one of the first control process and the second controlprocess; updating at least one of the first control process and thesecond control process, based on the data that specifies the updates tothe one or more of the parameters of the at least one of the firstcontrol process and the second control process; and controlling theparticular type of HVAC system component by the programmable controlleraccording to the updated at least one of the first control process andthe second control process.
 17. The method of claim 11: wherein theprogrammable controller is a programmable thermostat; and whereinconfiguring the one or more interface ports of the programmablecontroller according to the determined configuration comprisesconfiguring one or more 24V relays of the programmable thermostat or oneor more digital relays of the thermostat according to the determinedconfiguration.
 18. The method of claim 11, comprising: receiving dataidentifying a second particular type of HVAC system component that is tobe controlled by the programmable controller; based on receiving thedata identifying the second particular type of HVAC system component,accessing configuration information for the second particular type ofHVAC system component; determining a configuration for one or more otherinterface ports of the programmable controller based on theconfiguration information for the second particular type of HVAC systemcomponent; configuring the one or more other interface ports of theprogrammable controller according to the determined configuration forthe one or more other interface ports of the programmable controller;detecting a connection between the second particular type of HVAC systemcomponent and the programmable controller that satisfies the determinedconfiguration for the one or more other interface ports of theprogrammable controller; and based on detecting the connection betweenthe second particular type of HVAC system component and the programmablecontroller that satisfies the determined configuration for the one ormore other interface ports of the programmable controller, controllingthe second particular type of HVAC system component through the one ormore other interface ports in addition to controlling the particulartype of HVAC system component through the one or more interface ports.19. The method of claim 18, wherein controlling the second particulartype of HVAC system component through the one or more other interfaceports in addition to controlling the particular type of HVAC systemcomponent through the one or more interface ports comprises: accessing athird control process at a storage component of the programmablecontroller based on the programmable controller lacking network access,and accessing a fourth control process at a server in communication withthe programmable controller based on the programmable controller havingnetwork access; and controlling the second particular type of HVACsystem component by the programmable controller according to the thirdcontrol process based on the programmable controller having accessed thethird control process but not the fourth control process, andcontrolling the particular type of HVAC system component by theprogrammable controller according to the fourth control process based onthe programmable controller having accessed the fourth control process.